Kukla's Korner Hockey

I have always been curious as to why NHL referees do not have to give post-game interviews, especially in the playoffs. Since technically the NHL fans pay the referee’s salary from revenues generated by their ticket purchases, I often feel like we deserve an answer....

I couldn’t agree with you more about allowing media access to the officials for post-game comments. It is a position I have always held. At the very least a pool reporter should have access to the officials and then provide quotes to the rest of his colleagues in the media. Failing this, an official statement should be released by the vice-president of officiating, Terry Gregson or through the league’s media relations department.

The media has access to players and coaches following a game and they can be asked about calls that went against them. Those responses are always biased and often emotional. Why not gain a perspective from the person that made the decision? The media could then provide a more balanced report of an incident to you, the fan.

The truth is that most of the officials would welcome the opportunity to express their reasoning behind decisions on calls and non-calls; even if it was just an honest statement of, “I missed it - I blew the call.”